It’s June, and with it Volunteers Week - a time to thank and celebrate the amazing work and time our Community Champions and Experts put into supporting the Community, and people affected by cancer. This week Community News will be celebrating the volunteers who help make the Community the friendly, supportive place it is.
First up, our Community Champions…
“Thanks for helping me the other day...you Champs are so full of energy…and mental and emotional energy to help other people! I don't know how you do it…don’t forget take care of yourselves too!”
There’s no doubt that without our Community Champions, myself, Ellen and Jess would be at an absolute loss. Not only do they support members and guide them as best they can when using the Community, but they’re also our eyes and ears as to what’s being discussed and shared on the site.
Enough from me though, here's what you, our members have to say…
“…in spite of all you're going through you always have time for people like me, to offer support and encouragement…If I could nominate someone who is inspirational for an award on International Women's Day, it would be you. You are amazing.”
“…thank you from the bottom of heart for your beautiful words they made me cry happy tears that a stranger could be so lovely and caring. Your mum must be so proud of you, she has raised such a wonderful daughter…I wish you and your mum so my love, take care of each other. Make lots of lovely memories.”
“Ian, thank you for your lovely message of encouragement. It's only a brief reply as I'm sitting waiting to head off for a radiotherapy appointment to discuss more treatment for my mother and if she wants to go ahead with chemo too! So much to think about and so desperate to find hope! She's pottering about and keeping busy like she does (I love those moments as life just feels normal) Just reading your reply filled me with strength and a feeling of support. I'll be back! Thank you!”
“…not been on forum long but notice you often reply, always encouraging and hopeful and offering good support and suggestions, I’m sure others have been grateful, I read your profile and can see what brought you and what keeps you here is that gift of compassion and giving back that support to others.”
“…thank you Thehighlander for all the support you have given me this last week or so. You were amazing, and I know my dad would be asking me to thank you for looking after me…”
I just had to share this one too…
“Thank YOU for being there for us novices! I'm ex-British Army Special Forces Airborne steely eyed killer and don't do sentimental s***. But you are an inspiration. I'm picturing you as a wild-eyed, mad, red bearded, 7-foot-tall jock, wielding a giant claymore broadsword...wearing a skirt...sorry I meant kilt! BUT if I’m wrong and you're a limp wristed bald midget with a lilting Scottish brogue, you’re still THE MAN!”
“Your advice and sense of humour are invaluable.” And, “…you are a true Champion, I'm sure you have helped many on this site including myself, with your thoughtful posting, and hope you continue to do so.”
“You just keep on delivering. Community Champion to the max! Thanks for all the encouragement and positivity you have given me, and you continue to give to all on the Online Community. Keep up the great work and I hope all is well with you.”
“Thank you so much for your kind words. I will remember these when I am feeling down.”
“I am so grateful to know that I’m no longer alone and that kind people like yourself are willing to support others while living through the same difficulties. Thank you for the virtual hug and I return a one for you…”
“Thanks so much latchbrook! Really appreciate this info and the awesome welcome.” And, “…you do a great job directing traffic in the Travel Insurance forum.”
“What can we say about Greg777? Well there's two of him really! There's sensible Greg who tries to calm the nerves of the newly diagnosed and give them hope and perspective in the early challenging days. Then there's deep philosophical Greg with his poetry and prose born out of an experience of dealing with myeloma which takes you on a journey down a long and winding road. So three cheers for both Greg’s and long may he continue to share his nuggets of wisdom with everyone here on the forum.”
“GBear, you’re in an inspiration to us all. Every message you’ve sent has positivity shining through. The fact that you are grieving but also battling yourself - you’re remarkable and we could all learn a thing or two from you.”
“Thank you so much for sharing your story and for the fantastic job you do on this site.”
And…
“On a personal note my growth was benign, but your inspirational stories, information, support and humour gave me hope that I’d found a very supportive place should I need it...if you don’t mind, I’ll hang around a little longer.”
“Thank you so much for replying and your warm practical advice it's just what I needed! It's feels so much better to know that you are not alone and there is support out there.”
...and for those who didn't know, you can recognise our Champions by their badges – they look like this:
I’m sure all users of the Community will join myself and the Community team in saying a huge thanks to our Champions, both old and new, for helping to ensure people affected by cancer get the support they need.
If you'd like to find out more about our Champions, why not take a look at our 'Meet the Champs' Q&A's - available through Community News. You can find our most recent Q&A with latchbrook by clicking here.
